Compassion Over Killing — a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that focuses on cruelty to animals in agriculture and promotes vegetarian eating — recently got five elected officials to go meat-free for an entire week!

Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD-4), Senator Jamie Raskin (D-20), Senator David Harrington (D-47), Delegate Tom Hucker (D-20), and Montgomery County Council Vice President Valerie Ervin all happily agreed to participate in VegWeek — a week-long celebration from April 24-30 organized by Compassion Over Killing that highlights the many benefits of choosing vegetarian foods.

“I support VegWeek because it encourages healthy living, promotes environmental stewardship, and supports our small businesses and local growers,” says Congresswoman Edwards in her statement posted onMarylandVegWeek.com.

Councilmember Ervin stated, in a press release issued by her office earlier this week, “We have to model the behavior that we want to promote, especially when we are dealing with issues related to healthy lifestyles, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.” At the event, she will also be presenting a Montgomery County Proclamation officially declaring Maryland VegWeek 2010.

Wanna find out more about all this amazing VegWeek action? Scoot on over to MarylandVegWeek.com and get educated!